.5k Run Promises 1636.8 Feet of Fun and Fury

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David Peterson, Assistant Editor
David is a self-proclaimed movie snob and social vagabond of the obscure. In his spare time he enjoys referencing books that no one has read and watching movies that no one understands. It is rumored that his beard once poured sugar into the gas tank of Chuck Norris’s car.[/author]

It’s time to lace up your sneakers, slide on your slippers and clean up your Keens. On Saturday, April 16, at 11:00 a.m., the Student Government Association (SGA) is hosting a .5k run to benefit Rahab’s Rope, an organization dedicated to giving hope and opportunity to girls and women that have been forced into the commercial sex trade in India.

Rahab’s Rope’s motto, “love in action”, is based on 1 John 3:18, which states, “Dear children, let us not love with words and speech but with actions and truth” (NIV). Through vocational training and education, the organization is helping women and children break the cycle of life in the sex trade. This year, Human Rights Awareness Week (HRAW), which runs from April 11 to April 14, will also benefit Rahab’s Rope.

Shelby Reust, Junior Class President, hopes that students will take advantage of this “fun, exciting and kind of silly way to raise money for human rights.” Reust went on to say, “Most events that have ‘k’ at the end of a number you can count me out, but this is a short distance that I think many non-runners–like myself–can enjoy, and it’s for a great cause.”

The .5k run is a new event to SNU this year, and is modeled after a similar event that is held annually at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. Participants will line up on College Street and will give their all for 1636.8 feet.

There will be two options for the runners: an amateur course and a challenge course. While the amateur course will consist of just running, the challenge course will have obstacles for participants to maneuver through in addition to the foot race. At the conclusion of the race runners will be treated to food catered by Zoe’s Kitchen, music and an awards ceremony.

When Student Body President Mandie Oliver was asked what she hoped participants would take away from the event, she stated, “I hope that people come and just enjoy being together. This event will put the ‘fun’ in fundraiser…Seriously, we’re raising money for a good cause and only running 1636.8 ft. What’s not to love?”

The cost of the event is $7 or $5 with a Crimson Card, and the first 100 people that sign up will also receive a T-shirt. More information about the event can be found at snusga.com.